Shorebirds Flock to Hillman Marsh in May

Essex Region – Bird enthusiasts from around the world visit Leamington, Ontario as one of their bucket list destinations each May, and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area is ready to greet these guests from May 1 – 21 at the Shorebird Celebration.   

The shorebird habitat at Hillman Marsh is unique in North America.  The managed wetland cell creates the perfect combination of mudflats to provide nutrition and a resting area for migrating shorebirds. The marsh is managed annually to produce the desired habitat, and water levels are reduced so mud flats appear in preparation for shorebird arrival. The birds are often very close to the shoreline which makes for exceptional viewing, and a large bird blind is open for visitors to photograph and study the birds. 

“Pumping water into the shorebird cell to ensure we can create the ideal feeding and resting habitat for these migrating shorebirds is key,” said Kevin Money, Director of Conservation Services. “The shorebird cell can obtain water via two sources of water: a large diked wetland called the west cell or from the main marsh, which is open to Lake Erie.”  However, the efforts to contain and eradicate invasive Hydrilla in Hillman’s west cell prevents ERCA from using this water source and with low lake levels, existing ditches to the main marsh were dry.  Over the winter, significant investment was made and a new large pipe trenched to bring water to the shorebird cell from a deeper location in the main marsh.  “This will ensure that we are able to continue operating the shorebird cell as intended,” Money adds.

The Shorebird Celebration will take place from May 1 – 21 during prime migration. On Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3pm – 5pm, volunteers from the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) will help guests identify shorebirds from the Shorebird Viewing Blind.  

“We are thankful for our longstanding partnership with OFO who generously provide tips on how to identify these stunning shorebirds, and we are so happy to welcome them back,” explains Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA’s Director of Communications and Outreach Services. There are also bird identification signs at the shelter highlighting distinguishing characteristics. In addition, a new accessible viewing scope and trail signage will be installed before birding season begins.

“Combined with Point Pelee National Park’s Festival of Birds, the birding opportunities in the Pelee/Hillman region during spring migration are unparalleled, and visitors travel here from around the world,” Breault Stuebing adds. “Stay-cationers and local outdoor enthusiasts can also celebrate these world-class natural places right in our own backyard.”

Entrance fees are $10 per vehicle. Admissions for this event will be collected through HonkMobile using a QR code and your smart phone. For your best value, consider a seasonal pass, which provides unlimited access to conservation areas and events throughout the year; or a Spring Birding Pass, which provides access to Hillman Marsh Conservation Area through the migration period. More information about the Shorebird Celebration is available at essexregionconservation.ca/shorebird .

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities. For more than 50 years, it has delivered programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.